What was Ulrich Zwingli's position on the concept of transubstantiation?

Ulrich Zwingli is recognized for his significant contributions to the Reformation, particularly in his theological views concerning the Eucharist. He opposed the concept of transubstantiation, which is the Roman Catholic belief that, during the mass, the bread and wine used for Communion become the actual body and blood of Christ.

Zwingli believed that the Eucharist is a symbolic act rather than a literal transformation. He held that the elements of bread and wine serve as reminders of Christ's sacrifice and that the true presence of Christ is conveyed spiritually, rather than physically. This perspective aligns with his broader reformist ideology that emphasized the authority of Scripture and the necessity of faith over ritualistic traditions.

His stance contributed significantly to the development of Protestant views on the Lord’s Supper, separating his interpretations from those of other key figures of the Reformation, like Martin Luther, who upheld a different understanding of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.